- Date of Release: 20 December 2023
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Musical
- Language: English
- Watch On: Netflix
Maestro
Introduction
It is a Wednesday and it is raining biopics! With that, I finished watching the new English film Maestro which is now streaming on Netflix. It was only yesterday that I had witnessed a biopic from the point of view of Priscilla Presley and her equation with her then husband Elvis, an individual who was supremely toxic. This was much in contrast to the film Elvis wherein the entire narrative was from the point of view of the superstar singer who was considered a victim of circumstances in many ways. So the first thing that can be concluded from a biographical drama is the point of view which defines the course of the narrative while also governing the sentiments of the viewing, and often swaying them. Previously, I had also witnessed the flawed magnum opus film Napoleon that highlighted the life of the unsung emperor. Yet, that film did feel fragmented given that there were many incidents that had transpired in the life of the individual. And this is perhaps the toughest challenge for the filmmaker in a biopic space, should he/she choose to highlight the different highs and lows of the life of an individual. The biopics that often work are usually the ones that are centered around a single event. So my point here is that while there isn’t a fixed rule to make a biopic, it is always a tricky proposition.
As far as Maestro is concerned, I was quite looking forward to witnessing the film despite knowing very little about the American orchestra conductor Leonard Bernstein. And my first and only reason was Bradley Cooper who is not only an amazing actor but had also previously hit it out of the park as a Director with ‘A Star Is Born’. I had previously missed the screening of Maestro at MAMI earlier this year, and I quite wished to catch the film on Netflix. So then, does Maestro manage to impress, let’s find out.
Story & Screenplay
Maestro follows the story of the famous American Orchestra Conductor Leonard Bernstein while centering the drama on his fragile but compassionate relationship that he shared with his wife. The story here is a searing examination on the complex life of an artist that briefly reminded me of the English film Tar, a fictional drama narrated as a biopic. There is texture and subtext through the leisurely paced drama that gives the viewers a little glimpse into the turmoil that the individual had faced beyond the glitz and glamour that the world knew him for. The screenplay standing at just over 2 hours is designed to be a slow burn while being true to the era in which the story is set in. There is a consistent focus on the conversations that makes for an insightful watch.
The drama opens on a current timeline with the introduction of the protagonist who is seen performing in front of a live audience. What the opening sequence also highlights is his affection for his wife whom we are told was once an integral part of his life. The drama cuts to a flashback while briefly focusing on the accidental rise of fame for the protagonist before getting into the core of the drama which was the dynamics that he shares with a woman named Felicia. This, while there is an underlying layer of the sexuality of the protagonist, something that would eventually play a big part in the larger scheme of things.
The drama is essentially divided into a three act structure while focusing on the gradual shifting equation that the protagonist shares with his wife Felicia. As they say, the fame of the artist comes at a cost and that is something briefly touched upon given that his personal life isn’t the best. But I would again like to bring in the topic of ‘POV’ into the picture for the sake of discussion. You see the protagonist being rather timid about his sexuality while eventually going on to cheat on his wife with multiple partners along the way. But because the story is unfolding through the lens of Leonard, you are a little empathetic about it while being witness to the different complexities that he shared with his family. Yet, the empathy here is subtle while not completely swaying the narrative in favour of the protagonist, something that I quite liked(much like Priscilla although the narrative was a wee bit more tilted there).
The drama also highlights the maturity of the protagonist and his wife while dealing with the issues in their marriage. There is a sense of compassion between the two individuals while a sense of ‘wanting to be with each other’ against the odds. And so the final act is indeed heartfelt and tragic, having known the two individuals well enough throughout the course of the drama. It is heartbreaking towards the end that comes with a realisation that success without family is incomplete. There is a hollow feeling surrounding the drama as you enter the dying minutes of the film with a sense of void being extremely prevalent, despite the success and fame of the protagonist. As they say, fame comes with a price, this one was personal.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are conversational with some beautiful one liners that are waiting to be discovered. The life lessons imparted by the lines towards the end almost have a lingering effect thereby making for an impactful watch. The music comprising of various synphonies accompanies the drama beautifully, often lacing the occasion with grandeur. Equally brilliant is the BGM that plays a supporting part while never quite overpowering the drama, while also allowing it to take centerstage. The cinematography is beautiful. There is a resolution defined for each of the three acts , and shot just so beautifully. The monochrome frames are perhaps the best that I have witnessed since Mank, and each of them could form a postcard. The hint of colour and the change of resolution going forward adds volumes of depth almost representing the shifting character dynamics between the protagonist and his wife, while also representing the different eras to perfection. The editing is crystal perfect with so many sharp cuts and wonderful jump cuts to add coherence to the drama without quite imparting a fragmented quality to it. A word on the prosthetics department which was simply excellent(something that you admire even more after the ‘real’ Maestro is shown at the end. The resemblance was indeed uncanny). Director Bradley Cooper reaffirms the fact that his previous film was not a flash in the pan. There is a sense of stillness and calmness to his craft that allows the viewers to eves drop on the conversations unfolding without quite creating melodrama around it. Yet, the indulgence lies in the characters themselves, something that the director drives well throughout the narrative much like he did in his previous work. The direction is outstanding here.
Performances
The performances are wonderful by the ensemble cast. Maya Hawke as Jamie and Natt Bomer as David have their moments to shine, and both of them are excellent. But much like the case that was with Priscilla, the focus here essentially lies on the two main protagonists. Carey Mulligan as Felicia delivers a very dignified performance as an individual suffering from her insecurities related to her husband, while silently accumulating the pain within her. Her vulnerabilities are on full show in a couple of confrontational scenes that are wonderful to witness. Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein is in top groove here, often being wonderfully restrained and allowing his incessant charm to do the talking. Yet, there is an inherent sensitivity to his character that also demands a lot of physicality from him, something that he executes to perfection here, particularly in scenes featuring the orchestra. This was a towering performance by one of the best actors in this business!
Conclusion
Maestro is a searing examination of the complex reality of an individual who has left a lasting legacy for the world to witness. The drama is yet again a slow burn and niche in many ways but very intricate with its emotions that makes it a compelling watch. Available on Netflix and Highly Recommended!